SPOTTED IN ROCHESTER: Local Food Shelf Desperately Needs Donations Right Now

"Hungry is no way to live"...unfortunately, that is the reality for many in the Rochester community.  Today, one of the food shelves in Rochester was almost completely emptied by those in need.

READ MORE: Map and List of Little Food Pantries in the Rochester, MN Area

SPOTTED IN ROCHESTER: Local Food Shelf That Urgently Needs Donations

Just one day after Governor Walz released $4 million in emergency state funding for food shelves in Minnesota, a local food pantry in Rochester revealed the shocking reality of what is currently available for its guests.

This is a real time photo of our food shelf taken at 3:50pm today. With the exception of several bags of cereal, the shelves have been cleaned out by visitors needing the food shelf today. With the government shut down, and the possibility of SNAP benefits not being distributed next month, food donations for our food shelf are making a significant impact! Donations are accepted Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm. Thank you! - Rochester, MN Salvation Army Facebook Page

One shelf after another - empty.

Help Fill Up The Food Shelf At The Salvation Army in Rochester, MN

The food shelf at the Salvation Army is the only one that is accessible to the downtown area.  According to the Salvation Army website, a household can visit the food shelf at the Social Services Center (115 First Avenue NE) twice a month.

Over 500 households in the Rochester community are helped each year, and below are items that are urgently needed:

• cereal
• rice
• peanut butter
• meats
• milk
• eggs
• fruit
• vegetables
• baking supplies

To donate, just stop by the Social Services Center Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Monetary donations are also being accepted and you can give securely at The Salvation Army website.